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Abstract:

The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus for
providing rest for the feet of special needs. More particularly, present
invention provides a new and unique foot rest that is easily anchored to
any standard elementary school-sized chair and that allows a student to
sit with proper posture and alignment, as well as get sensory input from
having his/her feet on a solid surface.

Claims:

1. A method for providing rest for the feet of a special needs child,
comprising:anchoring a chair in relation to a specialized foot rest
having a platform with an elongated slot, including a wide oval slot, and
having the platform being arranged on a support member with an open
bottom, by positioning one or more front legs of the chair through the
wide oval slot so as to allow them to rest on the floor so that the chair
cannot be kicked or pushed away from the specialized foot rest;
andpositioning a child having special needs on a seat of the chair so
that the feet of the child can rest comfortably on the platform of the
specialized foot rest so as to substantially increase the likelihood that
the child will sit with proper posture and alignment and receive sensory
input from having the feet of the child resting on the solid surface of
the platform, so as to substantially decrease the likelihood that the
child will be distracted by one or more dangling feet that would not
otherwise touch the ground without using the specialized foot rest,
and/or so as to substantially decrease the likelihood that the child will
fall out of or off the chair.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the wide oval slot are
configured with the following dimensions:width: about 1.5 inches
andlength: about 15-16 inches.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the platform is configured with
predetermined dimensions, including a width of about 12'' and a length of
about 18'', the platform is about 4'' above ground level when the one or
more front legs of the chair are resting on the ground, and the wide oval
slot is configured along the length about 3'' from the back of the
platform.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the platform is configured with
predetermined dimensions, including a width of about 12'' and a length of
about 20'', the platform is 6'' about ground level when the chair is
resting on the ground, and the wide oval slot is configured along the
length about 3'' from the back of the platform.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the platform is configured with
one or more abrasive strips arranged thereon to provide frictional
engagement with the feet of the child.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the chair is a standard
elementary sized chair.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the platform is configured with
an overhang for easily picking up and moving the specialized foot rest.

8. A specialized foot rest comprising:a support member having an open
bottom; anda platform being arranged on the support member and having a
wide oval slot configured to receive the one or more front legs so that
the chair cannot be kicked or pushed away from foot rest and so that a
child having special needs may be positioned on a seat of the chair so
that the feet of the child can rest comfortably on the platform of the
specialized foot rest so as to substantially increase the likelihood that
the child will sit with proper posture and alignment and receive sensory
input from having the feet of the child resting on a solid surface of the
platform, so as to substantially decrease the likelihood that the child
will be distracted by one or more dangling feet that would otherwise not
touch the ground without using the specialized foot rest, and/or so as to
substantially decrease the likelihood that the child will fall out of the
chair.

9. A specialized foot rest according to claim 8, wherein the wide oval
slot has the following dimensions:width: about 1.5 inches andlength:
about 15-16 inches.

10. A specialized foot rest according to claim 8, wherein the platform is
configured with predetermined dimensions of a width of about 12'' and a
length of about 18'', the platform is about 4'' above the ground when the
one or more front legs of the chair are resting on the ground, and the
wide oval slot is configured along the length about 3'' from the back of
the platform.

11. A specialized foot rest according to claim 8, wherein the platform is
configured with predetermined dimensions of a width of about 12'' and a
length of about 20'', the platform is 6'' about the ground when the chair
is resting thereon, and the wide oval slot is configured along the length
about 3'' from the back of the platform.

12. A specialized foot rest according to claim 8, wherein the platform is
configured with one or more abrasive strips arranged thereon to provide
frictional engagement with the feet of the child.

13. A specialized foot rest according to claim 8, wherein the chair is a
standard elementary sized chair.

14. A specialized foot rest according to claim 8, wherein the platform is
configured with an overhang for easily picking up and moving the
specialized foot rest.

15. A method for providing rest for the feet of a child,
comprising:anchoring a chair in relation to a specialized foot rest
having a platform with two openings, the platform being arranged on a
support member having an open bottom, by positioning each of one or more
front legs of the chair through a respective one of the two openings so
that the chair cannot be kicked or pushed away from the specialized foot
rest; andpositioning a child on a seat of the chair so that the feet of
the child can rest comfortably on the platform of the specialized foot
rest so as to substantially increase the likelihood that the child will
sit with proper posture and alignment and receive sensory input from
having the feet of the child resting on a solid surface of the platform,
so as to substantially decrease the likelihood that the child will be
distracted by one or more dangling feet that would otherwise not touch
the ground without using the specialized foot rest, and/or so as to
substantially decrease the likelihood that the child will fall out of the
chair.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the platform is configured
with one or more abrasive strips arranged thereon to provide frictional
engagement with the feet of the child.

17. A method according to claim 15, wherein the chair is a standard
elementary sized chair.

18. A method according to claim 15, wherein the platform is configured
with an overhang for easily picking up and moving the specialized foot
rest.

19. A method according to claim 15, wherein the method includes position a
special needs child on a chair anchored to the specialized foot rest.

20. A method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises adapting,
configuring or dimensioning the length of one or more adjustable legs
affixed on each corner on the bottom of the specialized foot rest
depending on the length of the legs of the child.

[0003]The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
providing rest for the feet of children with special needs; and more
particularly relates to a foot rest that is easily anchored to any
standard elementary school-sized chair and that allows a student to sit
with proper posture and alignment, as well as get sensory input from
having his/her feet on a solid surface.

[0004]2. Brief Description of Related Art

[0005]In the prior art, it is known to use a Rifton chair, which is a
wooden specialized chair for children who need significant support to
stay seated.

[0006]Moreover, it is also known that some student with special needs may
not require a Rifton chair; however, when such students are sitting in a
regular kindergarten-sized chair, they may still not have their feet
touching the ground. FIG. 1 shows one such student sitting on a standard
elementary school chair that is known in the art with his feet dangling
above the floor. It is the experience of the inventor, that this child
would typically be distracted throughout class, and would often fall out
of their chair, trying to have their feet supported. When a traditional
foot rest or phone book was placed under his feet, the student would
typically kick it away in seconds.

[0007]The present invention provides a solution to this problem in the
art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008]The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus
for providing rest for the feet of a child having special needs.

[0009]The method may include anchoring a chair in relation to a
specialized foot rest having a platform with an elongated slot, including
a wide oval slot, and having the platform being arranged on a support
member with an open bottom, by positioning one or more front legs of the
chair through the wide oval slot so as to allow them to rest on the floor
so that the chair cannot be kicked or pushed away from the specialized
foot rest; and positioning a child having special needs on a seat of the
chair so that the feet of the child can rest comfortably on the platform
of the specialized foot rest so as to substantially increase the
likelihood that the child will sit with proper posture and alignment and
receive sensory input from having the feet of the child resting on the
solid surface of the platform, so as to substantially decrease the
likelihood that the child will be distracted by one or more dangling feet
that would not otherwise touch the ground without using the specialized
foot rest, and/or so as to substantially decrease the likelihood that the
child will fall out of or off the chair.

[0010]The wide oval slot may be configured with the following dimensions:

[0011]width: about 1.5 inches and

[0012]length: about 15-16 inches.

[0013]The platform may be configured with predetermined dimensions,
including a width of about 12'' and a length of about 18'', the platform
is about 4'' above ground level when the one or more front legs of the
chair are resting on the ground, and the wide oval slot is configured
along the length about 3'' from the back of the platform.

[0014]Alternatively, the platform may be configured with predetermined
dimensions, including a width of about 12'' and a length of about 20'',
the platform is 6'' about ground level when the chair is resting on the
ground, and the wide oval slot is configured along the length about 3''
from the back of the platform.

[0015]The platform may also be configured with one or more abrasive strips
arranged thereon to provide frictional engagement with the feet of the
child, and an overhang for easily picking up and moving the specialized
foot rest.

[0016]The apparatus may take the form of the specialized foot rest
featuring the support member having the open bottom; and the platform
being arranged on the support member and having the wide oval slot
configured to receive the one or more front legs so that the chair cannot
be kicked or pushed away from foot rest and so that the child having
special needs may be positioned on the seat of the chair so that the feet
of the child can rest comfortably on the platform of the specialized foot
rest so as to substantially increase the likelihood that the child will
sit with proper posture and alignment and receive sensory input from
having the feet of the child resting on a solid surface of the platform,
so as to substantially decrease the likelihood that the child will be
distracted by one or more dangling feet that would otherwise not touch
the ground without using the specialized foot rest, and/or so as to
substantially decrease the likelihood that the child will fall out of the
chair.

[0017]Embodiments of the invention may also include using two openings in
the platform instead of the wide oval slot, where each of one or more
front legs of the chair are positioned through a respective one of the
two openings so that the chair cannot be kicked or pushed away from the
specialized foot rest.

[0018]Embodiments of the invention may also include adapting, configuring
or dimensioning the length of one or more adjustable legs affixed on each
corner on the bottom of the specialized foot rest depending on the length
of the legs of the child.

[0019]In effect, the present invention provides a new and unique foot rest
that is easily anchored to any standard elementary school-sized chair and
that allows a student to sit with proper posture and alignment, as well
as get sensory input from having his/her feet on a solid surface. The new
and unique foot rest is known hereinafter as a "Jett Step," which was
named after a child having special needs that was my inspiration for this
invention.

[0020]The Jett Step according to the present invention is a specialized
foot rest that is easily anchored to any standard elementary school-sized
chair (different sizes available) that allows a student to sit with
proper posture and alignment, as well as get sensory input from having
his/her feet on a solid surface. It was originally designed to
accommodate a student with special needs who did not require a Rifton
chair (a wooden specialized chair for children who need significant
support to stay seated.), but whose feet did not touch the ground in a
regular kindergarten-sized chair. His feet were dangling and he would be
distracted throughout class, and would often fall out of his chair,
trying to have his feet supported. When a traditional foot rest or phone
book was placed under his feet, he would kick it away in seconds. Upon
further investigation in other Special Education classrooms, it was
evident that there were many students in the same predicament.

[0021]The Jett step provides a solution to this problem in the art, by
allowing a student to sit with proper posture and alignment, as well as
to get sensory input from having his/her feet on a solid surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0022]The drawing includes the following Figures:

[0023]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a child sitting on a standard
elementary school chair that is known in the art.

[0024]FIG. 2 includes illustrations of the Jett Step according to the
present invention, including FIGS. 2a and 2b showing side views of
different embodiments of the Jett step A and B; FIG. 2c which is a top
down view of the Jett step A in FIG. 2b; and FIG. 2d which is a top
perspective view of the Jett step B shown in FIG. 2a.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a photograph of the child sitting on the standard
elementary school chair that is known in the art and using the Jett Step
according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026]This present invention provides a new and unique providing rest for
the feet of children, including those with special needs.

[0027]FIG. 2 shows Jett Steps A and B according to the present invention,
which are specialized foot rests that are easily anchored to any standard
elementary school-sized chair (different sizes available) and that allows
a student or child, e.g. with special needs, to sit with proper posture
and alignment, as well as get sensory input from having his/her feet on a
solid surface. FIGS. 2a and 2b show the two Jett Steps A and B, with the
Jett Step B in FIG. 2a being taller than the Jett Step A in FIG. 2b. The
height of the particular Jett Step being used would depend on the length
of the legs of the child having special needs using the Jett Step. It is
important to note that the scope of the invention is not intended to be
limited to the dimensions of the Jett Step, including (but not limited
to) the length, width or height thereof.

[0028]The Jett Steps A and B in FIG. 2 take the form of bottomless boxes
with a 1.5-inch wide slot 2 in the top TA, TB to allow the
front legs of the chair to enter or be positioned in, thereby anchoring
itself to the chair so that it cannot be kicked or pushed away. As shown
in FIGS. 2a and 2b, there are 2 different sizes for the Jett Step, but it
can be easily custom made to fit any four-legged chair, not being limited
to the classroom:

[0029]Embodiments are envisioned where the height of the Jett step may be
adapted, configured or dimensioned based on the length of the legs of a
child, including, e.g., by having adjustable legs L1, L2 (see
FIG. 2b) on all four corners that may be lengthened or shortened
depending on the length of the legs of a particular child. Adjustable leg
configurations are known in the art and the scope of the invention is not
intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now
known or later developed in the future. By way of example, the adjustable
leg configurations may take the form of, or include, screw-like devices
that have a padded base with an extended threaded bolt connected thereto
that may be rotated into and out off a corresponding threaded socket or
bolt-like configuration adapted or affixed in the bottom of each corner.
These types or kinds of screw-like devices are typically used on the
bottom of furniture legs so as to adjust the length of the legs of the
furniture, e.g. for a table or stand, in relation to, e.g., uneven
floors, so as to stabilize it. Alternatively, by way of example, the
adjustable leg configurations may also take the form of, or include, as
well as adjustable telescopic leg configurations that are known and used,
e.g., in the legs of camera tripod configurations that are extended and
frictionally locked with a hinged locking device, as well as telescopic
extension devices that are extended and rotated to lock the same into
position, like that used in extendable poles for devices for painting or
for reaching lights on high ceilings.

[0030]In FIGS. 2b and 2c, the size A Jett Step has dimensions that include
a top TA of about 12''×18'' and a height of about 4'' measured
from the ground. The top TA has a wide oval slot 2 that is about a
1.5'' wide (See FIG. 2c) and is about 1'' from the sides to conserve
space beneath the chair, as well as stay a stable and solid unit. This
Jett Step has double bull-nosed edges around the top as well as in the
slot to prevent wear and tear of the slot, as well for aesthetics. Having
the rounded edges on the sides of the top is for aesthetics, as well as
preventing injury that is likely to occur with about 90° edges.
The slot 2 is about 3.0'' from the back to give stability, and also allow
enough room for the student's feet. There are 2 strips of adhesive
traction tape 4, 6 on the top of the box so the student's feet do not
slide. The foot rest top overhangs the base by about 0.5'' so that it can
be picked up easily, and because the top has bull-nosed edges and the
base is about 90° edges, it helps to prevent injury when
transferring into the chair. Along the base edges of the foot rest, there
is felt to aid in sliding the box along the floor when needed.

[0031]The slightly larger size B Jett Step shown in FIGS. 2a, 2d has
dimensions that include a top TB of about 12''×20'' and a
height of about 6'' high. The lid is the same design as size A, and each
size may have either a 4'' or 6'' height. This Jett Step is made out of
about 0.75'' clear pine and the lid is a laminated pine for aesthetics.
Two coats of polyurethane are applied. Pine was chosen because of its
weight and durability, although the scope of the invention is not
intended to be limited to the type or kind of materials from which the
step is made.

[0032]The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the size
or shape of the slot 2. Embodiments are envisioned in which the Jett Step
has a large length, a larger width, or some combination thereof in order
to be adapted to allow or receive the front legs of to any standard
elementary school-sized chair either now known or later developed in the
future to enter, thereby anchoring itself to the chair so that it cannot
be kicked or pushed away.

[0033]The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the type
or kind of materials that the Jett Step in made from, and is intended to
include material now known and later developed in the future.

[0034]Further, embodiments are also envisioned in which the slot takes the
form of two separate openings on the left and right sides of the top
instead of one wide oval hole.

The Scope of the Invention

[0035]It should be understood that, unless stated otherwise herein, any of
the features, characteristics, alternatives or modifications described
regarding a particular embodiment herein may also be applied, used, or
incorporated with any other embodiment described herein. Also, the
drawings herein are not drawn to scale.

[0036]Although the invention has been described and illustrated with
respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and various other
additions and omissions may be made therein and thereto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention.